Find out if this new minimally invasive treatment alternative your key to freedom from benign prostatic hyperplasia
If you or a loved one are one of the nearly 12 million men in the U.S. who receive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), then you are all too familiar with the way BPH affects a man’s quality of life. Poor sleep, lower productivity, social isolation, depression, impaired sex life – these and other consequences of BPH have led to millions of American men seeking an effective treatment option.
While cases of BPH are on the rise, remedies are in a downward spiral. This gap in treatment options has led to a crisis.
Learn More About the Urolift System and Other BPH Treatment Options.
In fact, each year 1.1 million men discontinue taking BPH medication, citing inadequate relief and unwanted side effects. While 53% of patients continue drug treatment, only 1% elect for surgery. That leaves 46%, or nearly 5.5 million American men, without a viable BPH treatment option.
Fortunately, millions of BPH sufferers can now find relief thanks to a new alternative BPH therapy: the UroLift System.
The benefits of the UroLift System as an alternative treatment for BPH include:
- Minimally invasive – no cutting, heating or tissue removal
- Immediate, visible results
- Speedy symptom relief & recovery
- Minimal downtime
- No loss of sexual function
- Better outcomes, lower morbidity
Talk to your doctor or urologist to find out if you are a good candidate for the newest BPH treatment option, the UroLift System. At the Alarcon Urology Center in Montebello, California, our expert urologists specialize in this state-of-the-art minimally invasive procedure. Based on your age, overall heath, expectations and extent of the disease, Dr. J. Antonio Alarcon will help you determine the best BPH treatment option for you.
UroLift Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UroLift System?
The UroLift System is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that involves placing a small, permanent implant in a man’s urethra to hold back tissue blocking urinary continence. For men over the age of 50 suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by BPH, the UroLift System offers a simple and safe solution without surgery.
Figure 1: Pre-Procedure
Figure 2: Post-Procedure
Is the UroLift FDA approved?
Yes. The UroLift was approved by the FDA in September, 2013 and is already commercially available in numerous other countries – including Australia, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
How is the UroLift System different than my BPH medication?
Unlike many BPH medicines, the UroLift system is a permanent treatment option and offers more symptom relief than medications. The device is also free from the common BPH medicine side effects like sexual dysfunction, light-headedness and dizziness.
Is the UroLift treatment right for me?
If you are a patient seeking a minimally invasive treatment for BPH or you are unhappy with your medications, then the UroLift System may be for you. The UroLift is a popular choice for BPH patients who are seeking an alternative to major surgery or prescription drugs that negatively impact their quality of life.
Typically, the only reason a BPH patient may not be considered a candidate for the UroLift implant is if they have an obstructed or protruding median lobe of the prostate. The effects of the UroLift treatment on men with prostate cancer or who have received TURP therapy have not yet been studied. You should always consult your doctor before seeking an alternative treatment. Your urologist will be able to determine if the UroLift is right for you based on your individual symptoms, anatomy and lifestyle.
How long does the UroLift implant last?
While researchers have not had enough time to confirm the full lifespan of the UroLift System, existing studies have proven the efficacy of the device after 3 years of use so far. The implant is intended to be a permanent treatment, and ongoing studies will determine if the device stands the true test of time.
Will my insurance cover the UroLift treatment?
Insurance coverage for the UroLift treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis. Once your urologist has determined that you are a good candidate for the implant, they will work with you to find out what your health plan will cover.
Does the UroLift System inhibit sexual function?
To date, studies have shown that sexual function is preserved among hundreds of patients who have undergone the UroLift procedure – unlike other BPH therapies such as TURP, laser treatment and even some medicines.
Are there any side effects?
Based on the most recent data, side effects caused by the UroLift System were mild and typically disappeared in under 4 weeks. These adverse effects included blood in the urine, pelvic ache, painful urination and some urge incontinence. In comparison, other BPH treatments are known to result in permanent side effects such as inability to ejaculate, incontinence and erectile dysfunction. There have been no reports of sexual dysfunction attributed to the UroLift System.
What can I expect after the UroLift procedure?
The UroLift treatment involves application of a general anesthetic or light sedation, so you will need to have someone drive you home after the procedure. Patients are asked to avoid strenuous activity for the week following their treatment and can experience some mild discomfort for up to 4 weeks. Patients frequently report symptom relief as soon as 2 weeks after the procedure.